The news of the sacrifice of Hasiya, a white tiger cub abandoned in February outside Greece’s main zoo, has generated a lot of comments and reflections on the welfare of animals in captivity and the need to protect endangered species.
The Attica Zoological Park, located outside Athens, announced on its social networks that the four-month-old female had been euthanized due to incurable health problems caused by inbreeding, a common problem in captive animal breeding. Greek and foreign veterinarians consulted by the park “unanimously” recommended the euthanasia of the cub due to the suffering she was undergoing.
The news has generated a lot of commentary on social media, with many users expressing sadness at Hasiya’s death and criticizing the practice of inbreeding in captive animal husbandry. Inbreeding, which is breeding within a limited population, can lead to genetic and health problems, which can make animals more susceptible to disease and disability.
White tigers are a “genetic anomaly,” according to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), and are often the result of inbreeding. Although they are a popular attraction in many zoos around the world, inbreeding has led to these animals suffering from a range of health problems, including bone deformities, physical disabilities, and respiratory problems.
Hasiya’s story highlights the need to address these problems and ensure that animals in captivity receive proper care and attention. Many animal rights advocates have urged zoos and other captive facilities to consider adopting more rigorous breeding and breeding policies and to encourage the adoption of more ethical animal care practices.